“I think it’s a good start to the year for me,” Boserup said. “I just went into this week trying to play every match as best I can…I feel like I improved with every match,” she added.

Lauren Davis returns a serve despite playing through illness. Photo by Tony Cagala

Boserup, who turned professional in 2010, decided to play in this tournament because it was so close to her home.

“It’s very rare to be able to play a tournament close to home where my family can come watch and it’s a great opportunity to get matches at the start of the year. Everybody here, they’re great players; it’s a very tough field.”

Davis, a resident of Gates Mills, Ohio, fought throughout the match, fighting not only her opponent but also what appeared to be an illness, struggling with congestion and an apparent difficulty to breathe.